Civil servant stood down for inquiry

An inquiry into allegations of bullying by Retirement Commissioner Diane Maxwell could look at the wider model of concentrated power held by similar commissioners.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said a State Services Commission probe, revealed by would be an ‘‘appropriate vehicle’’ for any wider recommendations. Her comments come after State Services Minister Kris Faafoi confirmed to

that Maxwell had been stood down while the investigation is carried out.

Maxwell has denied all allegations, which were made by a dozen unnamed, former employees.

She has also downplayed high turnover rates, in which nearly half of the jobs at the Commission for Financial Capability were vacated in the past financial year. Some of the allegations reported have included public shaming at meetings, being publicly undermined and having work torn up in front of them.

The role of the retirement commissioner is unusual in that the commissioner also acts as their own board, under legislation.

Although it’s a Governmentappointed role, with support from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, there is no-one the commissioner needs to answer to.

Bullying in the public service has been a prolonged theme throughout the past year. Most recently National MP Maggie Barry denied allegations of bullying some staff members, and Ardern was forced to strip MP Meka Whaitiri of her ministerial portfolios when an inquiry found she was likely to have manhandled a former staff member.

...there is anxiety within Auckland Council that the Beehive might want to wrest some control and influence. There is breath-holding in the council over what powers will be given to the Government’s Urban Development Authority ...